1
2
as in to disturb
to trouble the mind of; to make uneasy
there's no need to agitate the patient about little things
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to shake
to make a series of small irregular or violent movements
set the washing machine so it will agitate for four minutes before going into the rinse cycle
Synonyms & Similar Words
4
as in to discuss
to talk about (an issue) usually from various points of view and for the purpose of arriving at a decision or opinion
a question which has been agitated by the legislature time and time again
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of agitate
Stir minimally, to combine ingredients but to agitate the bubbles as little as possible.
—
Jeremy Repanich, Robb Report, 25 Oct. 2025
Marchand built his reputation as an agitating, scrappy forward who knows how to get under the opponent’s skin while also producing on the scoresheet and was named captain ahead of the 2023-24 season, succeeding Patrice Bergeron for the role.
—Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 22 Oct. 2025
Case in point was the second period, when Hartman agitated Gudbranson on a potentially game-swinging penalty.
—Michael Russo, New York Times, 12 Oct. 2025
What is the best way to investigate a spirit without agitating it?
—Maggie Menderski, Louisville Courier Journal, 10 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for agitate
Jeremy Repanich, Robb Report, 25 Oct. 2025
Marchand built his reputation as an agitating, scrappy forward who knows how to get under the opponent’s skin while also producing on the scoresheet and was named captain ahead of the 2023-24 season, succeeding Patrice Bergeron for the role.
—Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 22 Oct. 2025
Case in point was the second period, when Hartman agitated Gudbranson on a potentially game-swinging penalty.
—Michael Russo, New York Times, 12 Oct. 2025
What is the best way to investigate a spirit without agitating it?
—Maggie Menderski, Louisville Courier Journal, 10 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for agitate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for agitate
Verb
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In a large bowl, stir together fennel, garlic, heavy cream, nutmeg, salt, pepper, and 1 cup parmesan until evenly combined.—
Stephanie Ganz,
Southern Living,
9 Nov. 2025
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Dissolve soda in milk; stir into shortening mixture.—
Molly Guthrey,
Twin Cities,
8 Nov. 2025
Verb
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Rose tells Shaw that her community is concerned about sacred remains being disturbed.—
Louis Peitzman,
Vulture,
10 Nov. 2025
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The 34-year-old appeared to have deactivated her X account after disturbing posts on her account resurfaced online.—
Ryan Morik,
FOXNews.com,
8 Nov. 2025
Verb
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Light shaking was detected, and people in several cities - including Hercules, San Francisco, Berkeley, Oakland and Fremont - reported feeling the tremor, according to the USGS DYFI report.—
CA Earthquake Bot,
Sacbee.com,
9 Nov. 2025
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Trim the dead parts, shake the soil off, and store them in a cool, dark location where they are protected from the cold.—
Andy Wilcox,
Better Homes & Gardens,
9 Nov. 2025
Verb
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In response to questions from The Sacramento Bee, representatives from the governor’s office did not address any of the proposals lawmakers have been discussing.—
Nicole Nixon,
Sacbee.com,
8 Jan. 2026
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Before the closed-door session on Wednesday, board members publicly discussed approving, funding, and conducting an investigation into Bulson and any other board member who was potentially involved in the April 2024 incident.—
Ashley Paul,
CBS News,
8 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Take a seat on an icy throne—the cold never bothered you anyway.—
Ginger Crichton,
Midwest Living,
9 Jan. 2026
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Don’t bother wasting your money—using it more than once a day won’t yield ‘better’ or faster results.—
Ali Pantony,
Glamour,
9 Jan. 2026
Verb
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From vibrating steering wheels, haptic smartwatches, and even gaming controllers.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
4 Jan. 2026
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The vibrating bristles of this electric version can break up and sweep away plaque more effectively.—
Nicol Natale,
PEOPLE,
28 Dec. 2025
Verb
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This phenomenon has long been debated in theory, but now the impact can be observed directly across a large population of stars.—
Bojan Stojkovski,
Interesting Engineering,
8 Nov. 2025
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At a conference in 1969, when other physicists were debating the very existence of gravitational waves, Weber presented evidence supporting their direct detection.—
Big Think,
Big Think,
7 Nov. 2025
Verb
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The goal was to ensure the makeup didn’t distract the audience but rather felt invisible.—
Jazz Tangcay,
Variety,
10 Jan. 2026
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Even the most emotionally invested of us can get distracted.—
Stuart Berman,
Pitchfork,
9 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Agitate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/agitate. Accessed 11 Jan. 2026.
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